The Aiken Triple Crown has coincided with the end of winter and the start of spring for more than two generations. The series is composed of three jewels, the Aiken Trials, the Aiken Spring Steeplechase and Pacers and Polo, and the events themselves have become a timeless tradition for families who eagerly await the electric feeling of the atmosphere associated with equestrian sport.

Horsemen have an opportunity to showcase the equine athlete, highlighting the countless hours of training and preparation involved to get the horses to a particular level where they can be competitive, providing wholesome family entertainment in a safe and controlled environment.

The sound of hoofbeats on racetracks and polo fields offer the participants a quiet rhythm that is part of the charm of the activity itself. The subtleties provide an irresistible allure to a diverse audience as the events themselves are a ritual of moment and pleasure.

But, the rich informality enjoyed by those in tailgating spots, the infield, by the sideboards or tent parties only serves to intensify the experience.

The Aiken Triple Crown is a social event, and the ancillary activities are a mildly diverting interlude. Young girls can be seen fawning attention lavishly on the horses. Men and women can be seen standing around, peering over at the field as they enjoy a favorite beverage and placing a friendly wager on their favorite horse. It's an afternoon of beauty, barbecue and bacchanalian spirit.

The Triple Crown is also the whistling wheeze of the horses as they exert themselves on the polo field and racetrack, the triumphant stare after demoralizing an opponent or the agony associated with a losing effort as an athlete's eyes take on a terrible softness.

The equine athletes convey an indelible impression that they are supremely fast, their taut muscles flexing as they explode across the racetrack and polo field. Victory means the horses will get their share of the spoil, and the connections of the horses and winning teams can be seen smiling sheepishly as the press, the audience and family members have cameras at the ready to preserve the moment.

Spectators find themselves squinting through the sunshine, some making undeniable fashion statements with eye-catching ensembles, stunning hats, bow ties, freshly pressed shirts and pleated trousers as they become part of a larger story that resonates with a powerful authority.

The horses can be seen in tight packs as they work to establish position from the opening bowl-in at a polo game, or offer the audience more than mere looks of efficiency as they attempt to improve their position appreciably as a race unfolds.

The Aiken Triple Crown

The 71st Running of The Aiken TrialsWhen: Saturday, March 16; gates open at 10 a.m.Where: Aiken Training Track, 538 Two Notch Road S.E.Ticketing: General admission is $10How ticketing works: Every person needs to have a general admission (or patron) pass to enter. Every vehicle needs to have a reserved parking pass or a general admission parking pass. Each reserved parking spot comes with one vehicle pass and a certain number of general admission passes. General admission parking passes are for vehicles only. First row reserved parking spots come with four general admission passes and second and third row reserved parking spots come with two general admission passes. Patron reserved parking spots come with five patron passes.FOR MORE INFORMATION: Contact the Aiken Trials office at 803-648-4631 with any questions.The 47th Running of the Aiken Spring SteeplechaseWhen: Saturday, March 23; gates open at 9:30 a.m.Where: Ford Conger FieldTicketing: General admission is $15 in advance, $20 at the gate. General admission tickets are sold in advance at Aiken Drug, Aiken Saddlery & Supply, Floyd & Green, H. Odells Weeks Activities Center, Ingate Professional Pharmacy, Lominick Pharmacy, North Augusta Chamber of Commerce, Plum Pudding, Southern Bank & Trust, Southern Saddlery, Stoplight Deli and Unique Expressions. Subscriber admission tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the gate and are sold exclusively at the Steeplechase office.Parking: Due to the popularity of the spring races and low turnover of tailgate spaces, there is no drive-in race day parking.FOR MORE INFORMATION: Contact the Aiken Steeplechase office at 803-648-9641.Pacers & PoloWhen: Saturday, March 30; gates open at 10:30 a.m. (Rain date: Sunday, March 31)Where: Powderhouse Polo Field, Powderhouse RoadTicketing: $10 for adults, $5 for children at the gate. Advance tickets can be purchased for $8 for adults and $5 for children from: TBA All Star Rents, Floyd & Green, USC Aiken Advancement Office, USC Aiken Athletic Department, Security Federal Bank or the H. Odell Weeks Activities Center.VIP HOSPITALITY TENT TICKET: The cost of a ticket is $50 before March 15 and includes lunch, an open bar, program and admission to the event. Tickets are required for all guests, regardless of age, and should be purchased in advance. Lunch will begin at 11:30 a.m. for tent guests and will be catered by Outback Steakhouse. Parking is not included in the VIP ticket price. No pets or baby strollers are permitted in the VIP Tent. Tickets sold after March 15 will be $75 each. For more information on the VIP Hospitality Tent tickets, call Debbie Boggs at USCA at 803-641-3630.Parking: General admission and VIP tent parking is $5 per car. This includes up to four souvenir programs per car.FOR MORE INFORMATION: Contact Randy Warrick at 803-641-3406.

Enlarge Aiken Standard file photo
The Aiken Trials is the first jewel of the Aiken Triple Crown. Carolyn Vogel’s Scootles, ridden by Jessica Schultz, opens up to score a three-length victory in The Von Stade Trophy.

Aiken Standard file photo
The Aiken Trials is the first jewel of the Aiken Triple Crown. Carolyn Vogel’s Scootles, ridden by Jessica Schultz, opens up to score a three-length victory in The Von Stade Trophy.

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